Wind Energy Progress in Saxony-Anhalt: Willingmann believes the region is making promising advancements
Wind Energy in Saxony-Anhalt Sailing Ahead
our website SACHSEN-ANHALT | 15. June 2025 | 12:00 Uhr
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- June 2025, 14:38
Saxony-Anhalt's Minister of Energy, Armin Willingmann (SPD), is optimistic about wind energy in the state. In light of Global Wind Day, he highlights the rising momentum in renewable energy expansion and emphasizes speed in grid expansion.
Saxony-Anhalt's Wind Energy Progress
Armin Willingmann believes that wind energy in Saxony-Anhalt is on the right track, as the state has witnessed robust wind energy expansion in two years running, including 2024 and 25. He adds, "With relatively affordable electricity generation costs, wind energy can contribute to long-term affordability in energy prices."
Compensation for Affected Parties
An essential condition for the expansion of wind energy is accelerated grid expansion, especially given the increasing presence of more potent (and thus, potentially intrusive) wind turbines. Willingmann voiced his concern regarding the limitations posed by the grid system and urged the federal government to step up.
Wind-an-Land-Gesetz
Given the emerging issues surrounding the rise of wind turbine areas, state Prime Minister Haseloff characterizes the targets set as "social dynamite." In response, the SPD and FDP propose compensating affected parties with cheaper local electricity prices to help balance the social impact.
Wind Farm for Green Hydrogen
A significant development in Saxony-Anhalt's energy sector is the Wind Farm Bad Lauchstadt, paired with the local energy park, completed in September 2024. Its electricity is utilized to produce green hydrogen, primarily to support the nearby Total Energies refinery in Leuna, starting from the second half of 2025.
Hydrogen as the Energy Carrier of the Future?
The application of green hydrogen as an energy carrier has garnered substantial attention. Its eco-friendly nature, ensured by the use of renewable sources during the production phase, positions it as an attractive alternative for existing energy carriers. Leveraging research from Jena, this could potentially result in a viable, green hydrogen energy solution.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
- Wind Energy Expansion: Saxony-Anhalt is aggressively expanding its wind energy capabilities, with plans to continue improving efficiency and power output.
- Grid Expansion: Accelerated grid expansion is vital to accommodate the larger and more powerful wind turbines, ensuring a seamless integration of these renewable energy installations.
- Green Hydrogen: Saxony-Anhalt is pursuing projects in green hydrogen generation to advance the state's sustainability efforts, while potentially cutting costs in other sectors, like the transportation industry.
Key Points:
- Old Turbines Replacement: A significant number of old turbines are being upgraded with more advanced units to increase their efficiency and output.
- New Projects: Nordex is supplying modern turbines for projects such as the Zerbst wind farm in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Social Impacts: The rapid expansion of wind energy projects presents potential social issues, necessitating measures like more accessible local electricity for affected parties.
- Energy Parks: Comprehensive energy projects like the Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park serve as templates for comprehensive green hydrogen value chains, from production to storage, transport, and utilization.
Wind energy in Saxony-Anhalt is not only progressing but also attracting investment in the renewable-energy industry. Finance is essential for the expansion of this clean energy source, as it can contribute to long-term affordability in energy prices.
Accelerated grid expansion is crucial for the successful integration of wind energy, particularly with the increasing presence of more potent wind turbines. Addressing the limitations posed by the current grid system will be vital to ensure a seamless renewable-energy future in Saxony-Anhalt.
